A mortgage broker friend of mine just dropped by the office to share an article he had been sent. I thought it was worth sharing here on Active Rain.

A study done by the University of Windsor and CMHC examined some 20,000 listings to determine the effect of certain wording in listings and the impact on sale price and time to sell. What the study revealed will change how I write my listing descriptions. The data was from the Windsor area for homes listed and sold between 1997 and 2000.

Using the following words or phrases had these impacts:

• Beautiful - added 12,500 to the selling price of a 250,000 home, about (5%).
• Move-in condition - no impact on price but sold 12% faster.
• Beautiful or gorgeous - sold 15% faster.
• Landscaping - sold 20% faster.
• Handyman special - cut sale time by half.
• Must see or Vacant - had no impact on time for a sale.
• Motivated or must sell - slowed sales by 30%.
• Ranch - slowed sales by 10%.
• Rental or Income producing - slowed sales by 60%.

The researches believe that the results are more or less universal but may vary by locale.

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) has released the Sales Statistics for August 2007. Their press release indicates a large increase over August 2006 for the entire Board. Each of the 6 zones has shown a marked increase over the previous year ranging from 8%-21%.

NANAIMO, BC - Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for August 2007 shows increases continuing in sales volume and average sale prices.

The average sale price across the VIREB region for August 2007 was $340,380. This is a 17 per cent increase from the $290,173 posted at the end of August 2006. Unit volume increased almost 20 per cent from the end of August 2006.

Source: VIREB Press Release Excerpt

As you can see from the following table, the Qualicum Beach and Parksville area has shown the largest per cent change (21%) over last year and is higher than the Board average (17%). While the average sale price for our area was down slightly from June to July, it has re-bounded significantly in August to over $405,000.

If you have any questions or would like more information on our area, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Jeff Shields
RE/MAX Anchor Realty
1-800-668-3622

The Real Estate Market continues to be strong here in Qualicum Beach, BC and one of the reasons is the quality of life on Vancouver Island. One of those reasons are the local Farmer's Markets.

Over the past weekend, my partner Susan and I managed to visit three of them, meeting some great people, purchasing fresh organic vegetables and free-range eggs and a few other sundry items. On Saturday we took in both the Qualicum Beach and Errington Farmer's Markets. On Sunday we headed up to Campbell River (the Salmon Capital of the World) for theirs. Each of the markets have a distinctly different flavor to them. With summer winding down, the local fresh produce is abundant.

Qualicum Beach's Market is held in the downtown area on a blocked off street. Fresh vegetables, jams and jellies, breads, organic meats, free-range eggs, cheeses and local crafts are all available. A jazz band who was playing on Saturday will also be performing at Milner Garden this weekend (Aug 19). The market runs every Saturday from May to October 8:30-12:00noon.

Errington's Market on the other hand is held in the park on Saturdays May to October 10:00AM to 1:00PM. Similar local fare is available here, plus some of the best cinnamon buns I have every tasted. This past weekend featured Shane Philip for the entertainment. Shane is a one man show mixing the didgeridoo, drums, guitar and voice to create a "totally unique and organic sound". Shane borrows and combines elements of reggae, ska, folk, funk, blues and rock to write and perform songs about love, peace, and the human experience.

Campbell River's Market is held in the parking lot by Fisherman's Wharf. It was great being right by the ocean and seeing all the pleasure craft and fishing boats. Many of the booths offered fresh, smoked or frozen seafood such as salmon, tuna, oysters, shrimp and other locally caught fish and shell fish. Crafts and local produce was also available.

If you are in the area, taking in one of the Farmer's Markets is certainly worth your time. If you want to discuss the real estate market, please give me a call.

Jeff Shields
RE/MAX Anchor Realty
1-800-668-3622

PS: A didgerdoo is an Australian instrument. Shane makes his own by cutting a piece of wood in half, hollowing it out and then gluing it back together. It is played by blowing into one end.

Susan Schaefer, Canadian Artist, was invited to show her work at the offices of RE/MAX Anchor Realty in Qualicum Beach.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Susan recently relocated to Vancouver Island to pursue her passion for art on a full-time basis. Her work has often been described as "very colorful and bright" as she likes to use pure bold color. Most of her paintings ideas come from real life adventures and activities.

"The best advice that I can give anyone about painting ... is to paint for yourself, not for sales. Paint from your heart and always have fun!"

Susan will be displaying her work until November 11, 2007. Feel free to drop by for a look at her colorful watercolor and acrylic floral paintings.

The RE/MAX Anchor office is located at 113 w 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, B.C., and open Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-4.

You may see more of Susan's work or order at her on-line store at Store.Youngatart.ca.

Over the weekend, my partner Susan and I took in "Art & Photography in the Garden" at Milner Garden. Local artists had booths set up to show their work, provide demonstrations and just share their joy and knowledge with the public. Potters, photographers, painters and sculptors were on hand even though the weather didn't completely co-operate.

We spent a great deal of time speaking with local photographer Alan Cornall, MPA, F/PPABC of Parksville who retired after 50 years in the profession. He shared his secrets on the type of camera, lens and printer he uses for his digital photography. Many of his shots were wildlife including tigers, eagles, wolves, various birds or just beautiful outdoor scenes.

Larry Aguilar and Sandy Richardson both displayed their pottery and provided demonstrations of their work. These two have worked together for many years and do incredible work.

Several of the local area painters caught our eye including Margaret Bonneau of Nanaimo, Dan Gray of Errington, and Elissa Anthony of Bowser. There were as many different styles and techniques as there were artists.

Margaret's work is a blend of both Figurative and Contemporary Abstraction using pastels and watercolors on textured surfaces and a variety of media.

Dan has worked in soft pastel since 1975 - always painting from live models... always ‘en plein aire’ when painting the landscape. Dan is hosting and Open Studio on August 11th and 12th in Errington.

Primarily working in oils, Elissa also uses acrylics and watercolors. Her works are often created as commissions.

It was a great afternoon and Susan hopes to display her artwork there next year.

Qualicum Beach (pop. 8500) is the oldest small town in Canada. Recent figures from Stats Canada based on the 2006 census indicates that British Columbia has 5 of 10 of the top ten oldest cities over 5000 people. However BC is the fifth oldest province in the country with just 14.6% of the population 65 or older. This is just slightly higher than the national average of 13.7%.

A recent article in the Vancouver Sun says:

"Qualicum Beach has more elderly people than any other small town in Canada, - 41 per cent of the population is 65 and over - and Sophia Thornley couldn't be happier about it.

"You know that television show Cheers, where they say it's a place where everyone knows your name?" Thornley said Tuesday.

"Well, we all joke that this is a place where everyone forgets your name," said the 81-year-old, who moved to Qualicum Beach from Victoria in 1996."

Seniors enjoy Qualicum's Senior's Centre, wide network of walking trails, lively amateur theatre scene and art galleries. There is also lots to do for the younger crowd include our extensive beachs and some of the warmest waters north of California. Other outdoor activities for all ages include skiing, salmon fishing, year round golf, hiking trails and exploring the caves at Horne Lake.

Events for July and August include Art and Photography in the Garden, Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Oceanside Overdrive.

So if you are looking for a retirement home, Qualicum Beach is a great place to consider. If you are planning on visiting our area and are interested in discussing real estate, please drop by or give me a call.

Jeff Shields
RE/MAX Anchor Realty
113 W 2nd Ave.,
Qualicum Beach, BC
1-800-668-3622
250-752-2466

If you are going to be on Vancouver Island this August you might want to drive up the Straight side of the island to take in the following events in Parksville.

• August 3-5 - 29th Annual Coombs Country Bluegrass Festival. If you are a bluegrass fan, you wont want to miss the pickin' and grinnin' all weekend long. Jam sessions and fun for the whole family at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds.
• August 5 - Oceanside Overdrive. There will be over 700 custom, classic and antique cars, trucks, hotrods and more at the Parksville Community Park.
• August 10 to September 1 - Parksvill Beach Festival. Home of the Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition held August 10-12. The scultpures remain on display until September 1. At the Parksville Community Park.
• August 11&12 - Coombs Fall Fair. Agricultural displays, music, entertainment, homemade goodies, animals and more.
• August 19 - Annual Kid Fest. Parksville Beach is the venue for this awesome day with lots of entertainment, including a Kid's Sand Sculpting Competition. Spend a great family day at the beach.
• August 25&26 - 10th Annual Coombs Rodeo Bull-A-Rama. Great bull action with a top 10 on Sunday at the Rodeo Grounds.

For the Parksville/Qualicum Beach Area

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for June 2007 shows an increase in sales volume and most average sale prices.

The average sale price across the VIREB region for June 2007 was $330,537. This is an 8 per cent increase from the $304,675 posted at the end of June 2006. Unit volume increased over 20 per cent from the end of June 2006 but decreased from the end of May 2007.

VIREB President Jennifer Lynch says housing activity remains strong.

"While it is not uncommon for sales to lag a bit in June as it is a busy time of year for people, we actually saw sales volume increase in five out of VIREB's six zones through the month," Lynch says. "This resulted in the sales volume increase across the region of 20 per cent from June 2006."

Average sale prices across VIREB's six zones, from June 2006 to the end of June 2007: Campbell River was up 13 per cent ($305,342), the Comox Valley increased 9 per cent (at $329,505), Nanaimo is even ($333,349), Parksville/Qualicum increased 6 per cent (to $367,099), Port Alberni increased 16 per cent (to $219,699) and Duncan's increased 10 per cent (to $359,936).

To view the full report please visit: http://www.vireb.com/assets/news/files/june_2007_sales_summary.pdf

Jeff Shields
RE/MAX Anchor Realty
Qualicum Beach, BC

I have been reading posts lately about how the market in the States is a buyer's market. Here it is still very much a seller's and no sign it is slowing.

I was particularly impressed by Price is King (Elvis Has Left the Building) by John Lockwood as that still holds true regardless of the trends. With this in mind I ran some numbers from the MLS for our area and was suprised by what I saw.

For Active Listing the average list price for a single family home was $598,000 with an average of 75 Days on Market. The Solds since May 1st had an average selling price of $389,000 and 62 days on market. Several properties sold over asking and the highest selling price was just under $700,000. Other REALTORS in the area were commenting that priced right, we are seeing multiple offers, overprice by 10% and they sit and stagnate.

Sellers are still want to list their properties higher than they should, and are reluctant to lower the price when it is recommended.

The sun defied the weather man and attended the 14th Annual Father's Day Show and Shine in Qualicum Beach BC on June 17th. Thousands packed the streets to view the antique cars on display. Some 500 to 600 hundred cars from the 1920's to the 1970's lined 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, Primrose and Beach RD. Motorcycles and trucks were on display at the Civic Centre beside the beer garden.

Entertainment, food, shopping, 50-50 draws and door prizes added to the fun. A street dance on Saturday night with 1950's rock and roll tunes kicked off the festivities.

Awards for the Best of Show, Best Antique, Best Motorcycle, Best Truck and each decade were presented Sunday afternoon. Many of the antiques had been modified into Hot-Rods, while many had been lovingly restored to the original specs.

The 1931 Model A Ford, shown here, is owned by local resident Terry Wilson and has won several awards. Terry, a retired banker, has collected Model A's for years and maintains an active business buying and selling Model A parts.

More photos can be seen at the Parksville Qualicum Beach NEWS on-line photo gallery.